Speedway: Compton ‘deserves’ shot at play-offs

Andre Compton insists he deserves his place back in the Sheffield side as he prepares for a shot at the play-offs, writes Nigel Pearson.

Compton was reintroduced in time for the transfer deadline as Sheffield bolstered their side without looking for guest riders.

The moved sparked yet another return for comeback man Compton, who had been ruled out with wrist damage.

And with Sheffield still awaiting news on their play-off opponents, Compton is ready to give it everything he’s got.

He said: “Although people say about me being given a chance to come back, I find it a bit strange as in my mind I’ve always been deserving of a team place.

“I didn’t want to get injured, I’ve been a solid member of the team and I’ve done my job this season so I feel I deserved to come back in once I was fit again.

“I knew there was a chance I wouldn’t come back into the team with the changes that had been made, and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed about people questioning whether I should come back, but the main thing is I’m back in the team now and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.

“I want to finish the season off strongly and try to pick up where I left off because I was having a good season up until I got injured.

“For me it’s all about continuing to build on the progress I’ve made and looking ahead to making sure I’m back in the team next year and I can carry on the improvement I’ve made over the last two seasons since coming back.

“I think I’ve been averaging nearly two points more than my starting average this year which is a massive improvement, and I’ve shown since coming back I’ve been quickly getting back to the level I was at.

“I think the strides I’ve made show my dedication and how determined I am to get back to the level I expect of myself. People might mention my age, but to be showing that kind of improvement at what many would consider to be the latter part of my career is something I’m delighted with.”